Colorado Avalanche and Winnipeg Jets sign players ahead of free agency

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Josh Tupper
June 25, 2024 (12:53)

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The Colorado Avalanche and Winnipeg Jets have declared that they have locked up key members of their teams for the long run, but the free agent period begins on July 1.

Dylan DeMelo, a pending UFA defenseman, and the Jets have allegedly agreed to re-sign him to a four-year contract with an AAV of $4.9 million.

Over the course of the last five seasons, the veteran of 554 games with the San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators, and most recently the Winnipeg Jets, has contributed with 17 goals and 127 assists for 144 points. He has also accrued 265 penalty minutes in that time.

Forward Casey Mittlestat has been re-signed by the Colorado Avalanche to a three-year contract deal. The seasoned forward, who was acquired by the Avalanche from the Buffalo Sabres, participated in 18 Avalanche games and scored 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists).

Even though the offseason is still early, it appears that teams are attempting to sign some of their free agents as soon as possible. This is because it's expected that additional deals like the one mentioned above will start to come in before the free agent signing window opens on July 1. As teams strive to figure out what they need and who to bring in and let go of, the next seven or eight days will be among the busiest of the offseason.

Source: Blade of Steel
Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche lock up players ahead of free agency